Introducing Kate Browne: super sleuth behind CHOICE's product reviews

Posted by Kinderling Kids Radio at March 8 2018, 8:29am

You may recognise Kate Browne as the face of CHOICE, as she's appeared on The Today Show, A Current Affair, ABC Breakfast and more. She's an investigative journalist and leader of the news team at CHOICE. She's also a mum of two girls and a regular guest on Kinderling, so we pick her brain on her life as a parent.

1. What is your favourite thing about being a mother?

It's made me realise I'm more resilient than I ever realised - and that I could love so much and so hard.

2. What’s your favourite thing to do with your children?

I love getting on board with their various obsessions - lately it's been Harry Potter so we've been discussing the merits of the various houses, professors and spells, making wands and planning an epic Harry Potter party. I also love travelling with them - even if that just means a weekend away, a road trip or camping. Getting out of our ordinary routine is so much fun for all of us and seems to be an instant mood lifter for us all.

3. What is the thing you miss most about life pre-children?

SPONTENAITY. Having kids is death to that - I like to do things spur of the moment but there's no just lobbing out the door to do something without the inevitable working out who is going to look after the kids and having to plan everything to death... I really miss that.

4. What has been the biggest surprise for you about being a mother?

I'm surpised by how much and how loud I can shout. But what's also been a revelation is how many gorgeous people I have met since having my kids and how big my life is now. Before I had kids I thought parents were boring and insular but it's been such a glorious suprise how social being a parent is for both you and your kids. We have got to know so many people in our local community, at school, daycare, through my mothers group and all the other parents and kids I've met long the way - I've made so many connections and fierce friendships and feel so connected to my little corner of Sydney as a result. My life has never been fuller.

5. What does 'me time' look like for you?

When our kids were very young, my partner and I used to fight over who would get to do the grocery shop (just for the hour of 'me time' it would bring). These days it's less tragic - as our kids are getting older I can escape into a book without being too bothered, have a bath without an audience (most of the time) and even occasionally sleep in. Though I'm starting to think I will never be able to finish a conversation with another adult every again - they are ALWAYS interrupting.. that hasn't changed.